Day elected new AFN Regional Chief

Serpent River First Nation Chief Isadore Day beat out two others to become the new Regional Chief for Ontario for the Assembly of First Nations. Day defeated Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Chief Tom Bressette, and Randall Phillips of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. Day didn’t wait long before taking action. He called on Canada and Ontario to work with First Nation leaders to implement the Water Declaration of the Anishinaabek, Mushkegowuk, and Onkwehone to protect the Great Lakes. The declaration, written in 2008, provides a framework to support First Nations environmental aspirations through collaboration, Indigenous leadership, and First Nations ceremonies. AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde said Day had been a “strong voice for First Nations rights and traditions.”†Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne congratulated Day on his new position, stating, “The Ontario government is committed to continuing to build positive relationships with First Nations and to work in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.” Day replaces Stan Beardy who became regional chief in June 2012.